Do you know what you mean by communication? Do you know what each other means by communication?
Okay, I know the word communication is pretty straight-forward (although actually communicating is not!) but there is always the potential for differences in our understanding of ANY term.
Conversations like this are important because we don’t all look at things in exactly the same way. Our temperaments, experiences, and other factors affect how we look at concepts like communication and even how we, personally, define words.
How Do You Define Communication?
So here’s the question: How do you define communication?
To help you each understand how you, personally, understand communication, grab a couple of sheets of paper and each write down your answers to these questions. Shhh! Do it quietly, so you don’t influence each other!
Hint: If Virtuous Weddings is totally your thing, subscribe below to get access to the VIP Resource Library which includes a printable worksheet for this word. Check your email for the Resource Library password and a direct link to the “How Do You Define” printables.
Answer based on your feelings, not just logic, dictionary definitions, or what you think your answer should be.
Most arguments, disagreements, hurts, and misunderstandings in marriage are based largely on feelings so don’t gloss over them here, in favor of something that seems more “correct.”
However, also be sure to get your philosophy ~ your principles, values, and ideas ~ in there. Your true inner beliefs, not what someone else said, because that’s what’s going to come out in everyday life, especially when there is conflict. If you need to change your understanding of communication, that can come later. Right now you need to understand yourself so that you can then try to understand each other. This is what communication means to you at a very REAL level.
The Questions
What is communication? Use other words (or phrases, if you prefer) to explain communication.
What are the first things you think of when you think of communication? What does communication mean to you?
What are the opposites of communication?
What is communication not? What expresses or indicates the absence of communication?
What does communication require? What will make you question the “trueness” of communication if it’s missing?
What will make you question the “trueness” of communication if it’s present?
What are signs that communication is taking place in a home?
What are signs that communication is not taking place (or is weak) in a home?
Now Talk About How You Define Communication!
When you’re both finished answering the questions, discuss and compare your answers.
How can you communicate with each other about communication?
How will the way you understand communication affect your lives?
Tip: after you finish your comparison, grab a dictionary and see what that does to you!
The How Do You Define Communication? Worksheet
Did you get the printable? If not, here’s another opportunity!
So . . . how do you define communication? I’d love to know what you learned!
